Baxter Estates
Quick Facts
County: Nassau County
Town: Town of North Hempstead
Zip Code: 11050
Approximate Population: 991 (2020 Census)
Incorporated: 1931 (Village)
Area: 109 acres (0.18 square miles)
Distance to Manhattan: ~19 miles
LIRR Station: Port Washington (terminus of the Port Washington Branch), approximately a 10-minute walk
Nearest Major Roadways: Main Street, Shore Road, Port Washington Boulevard (NY-101)
Designation: Tree City USA
Community Overview
Baxter Estates is one of the smallest incorporated villages on Long Island — just 109 acres and approximately 990 residents. It sits on the Cow Neck Peninsula within the Greater Port Washington area, on a hilly, tree-lined stretch of land that slopes down toward Manhasset Bay. The village overlooks the bay to the west, and several streets offer water views and direct access to the shoreline.
Despite its size, Baxter Estates has its own village government, its own village hall (at 315 Main Street, overlooking Manhasset Bay), and a distinct neighborhood identity. The village was incorporated in 1931, when residents voted to form their own municipality rather than be absorbed into a proposed City of Port Washington. That decision — made for the same reasons Manorhaven incorporated a year earlier — preserved local control over zoning, construction permits, road maintenance, and village services.
Baxter Estates shares the 11050 zip code with Port Washington and is served by the Port Washington Union Free School District, the Port Washington Public Library, the Port Washington Fire District, and the Port Washington Police District. The Port Washington Public Library building itself is physically located within Baxter Estates, on Main Street. Port Washington's downtown, LIRR station, and Main Street restaurants and shops are within walking distance.
The village is named after the Baxter family — shipbuilders, whalers, and sea captains who owned significant land in the area. The Baxter Homestead, built in 1673 at the corner of Central Drive and Shore Road overlooking Manhasset Bay, was one of the oldest structures on the peninsula until a fire severely damaged it in 2017. In 1895, Port Washington's first public library met in the parlor of the Baxter House.
The William Landsberg House, at 5 Tianderah Road, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Notable former residents include actress Tallulah Bankhead, who lived in the Baxter House.
Things to Do / Lifestyle & Amenities
Baxter Estates' small size means it doesn't have its own commercial district. Daily life revolves around Port Washington's Main Street, which is within walking distance. Main Street offers over 50 restaurants, independent shops, the Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe, and the Landmark on Main Street performing arts center. North Shore Farms on Port Washington Boulevard is the primary grocery option.
The Port Washington Public Library — located within Baxter Estates on Main Street — is a major community resource. It hosts weekend concerts, children's and senior programming, author events, and community gatherings. Residents describe the library as a social anchor for the village and the broader Port Washington area.
HarborFest, held each June at the Port Washington Town Dock, draws nearly 8,000 visitors and features local vendors, boat rides, games, and programming to support the preservation of Manhasset Bay. Baxter Estates residents and businesses participate actively in the event.
The Americana Manhasset in Manhasset is a short drive south for luxury retail.
Outdoor Recreation
Baxter Estates' waterfront location on Manhasset Bay provides outdoor access that's unusual for a village this compact.
Baxter Beach
A small, non-swimming village beach along Shore Road, popular for sunset views and waterfront walks. The village secured a $7.7 million state grant in 2024 for seawall repairs along this stretch, including construction of a boardwalk over the water that will connect Bay Walk Park in Port Washington North with Sunset Park in Baxter Estates.
Barbara Johnson Park & Preserve (Baxter Pond Park)
A Nassau County-owned green space maintained by neighborhood residents around Baxter Pond. The preserve offers trails and a quiet natural setting within the village.
Sunset Park
Located adjacent to the Village Hall, overlooking Manhasset Bay. A popular spot for sunset views and a connection point to the planned boardwalk project.
Nearby Parks
Manorhaven Beach Park, North Hempstead Beach Park, Bar Beach Park, Bay Walk Park, and the Sands Point Preserve are all within a short drive or walk. Christopher Morley Park, a 98-acre Nassau County facility, is located south of Port Washington.
Nearby Communities
Baxter Estates is part of the Greater Port Washington area. Port Washington's downtown, LIRR station, and Main Street are within walking distance to the south and east. Sands Point is to the north at the tip of the peninsula. Manorhaven borders to the west along Manhasset Bay. Port Washington North is to the northeast. Manhasset is accessible further south along Plandome Road.
For a broader look at all the communities we cover, visit our communities hub.
Commute to Manhattan
Baxter Estates is within walking distance of the Port Washington LIRR station — approximately 10 minutes on foot. The Port Washington Branch is the only LIRR line that runs directly to both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison without a transfer at Jamaica.
Nearest LIRR Station: Port Washington (terminus of the Port Washington Branch)
Distance to Station: ~10 minute walk from most parts of the village
Branch: Port Washington Branch
Typical Travel Time to Penn Station: ~35 to 48 minutes depending on express vs. local
Service to Grand Central Madison: Direct, approximately hourly
Train Frequency: Every 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours; approximately every 30 minutes off-peak
Driving to Midtown Manhattan: Approximately 19 to 21 miles. Without traffic, the drive takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes via Port Washington Boulevard south to the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, or via Northern Boulevard through Queens to the Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge. During peak commute hours, expect 50 to 75 minutes depending on tunnel and bridge conditions.
Bus: The n23 bus (Nassau Inter-County Express) serves the Port Washington area, running to the Mineola Intermodal Center.
History
The area now known as Baxter Estates was originally inhabited by the Matinecock people. Evidence suggests a Matinecock wigwam village once existed near Baxter Pond. In 1644, European colonists purchased the Cow Neck Peninsula from the Matinecock, and by 1673, John Betts and Robert Hutchings had built the homestead settlement of "Cow Neck" within present-day Baxter Estates.
Around 1741, Oliver Baxter purchased the homestead property at the corner of Central Drive and Shore Road. The Baxter family — shipbuilders, sea captains, whalers, and blacksmiths — retained ownership of the house until the end of the 19th century. During the Revolutionary War, Hessian troops were quartered in the Baxter House. In 1895, Port Washington's first public library met in the parlor of that same house.
Sand mining was a significant part of Baxter Estates' early 20th century landscape. Approximately one-fifth of the village's current territory was once used for sand mining — the same industry that defined much of Port Washington's economy during that period.
Baxter Estates incorporated as a village in 1931 to maintain home rule, after Port Washington proposed incorporating as a city. Residents were also concerned about a possible annexation by the Village of Manorhaven. The new Village Hall opened in the 1950s, and was replaced by the current facility at 315 Main Street in 2010.
Real Estate Overview
Baxter Estates' housing stock is primarily single-family homes on a compact, hilly grid of tree-lined streets. Architectural styles include Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, Tudors, and contemporary designs. Homes were built across a wide range of periods, from the early 1900s through 2020s. The terrain is notable — several streets have significant elevation changes, and many homes benefit from elevated positions with partial or full views of Manhasset Bay.
The median home price in Baxter Estates generally tracks around $1 million to $1.3 million, though the small size of the village means that individual sales can swing the median significantly from year to year. Prices typically range from the mid-$700s for smaller homes to over $2 million for larger properties with water views or recent renovations. Inventory is extremely limited — in any given year, only a handful of homes come to market.
Turnover is low. Residents tend to stay. The village's combination of walkability to the Port Washington LIRR station, the Port Washington school district, bay views, and village-scale governance creates a hold on homeowners that keeps inventory consistently tight.
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Schools
Baxter Estates is served by the Port Washington Union Free School District (UFSD), which operates seven schools serving students in grades PK through 12. The district includes five elementary schools (Guggenheim, John J. Daly, John Philip Sousa, Manorhaven, and South Salem), Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School, and Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School.
As of the 2024–2025 school year, the district enrolls approximately 5,200 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1.
For additional details, visit the Port Washington UFSD website or review district information on GreatSchools.org.
Who Considers Baxter Estates?
Buyers consider Baxter Estates for the combination that's hard to replicate elsewhere on the peninsula: walkability to the Port Washington LIRR station, the Port Washington school district, bay views, and incorporated village governance — all within a neighborhood of fewer than 1,000 people.
The walking distance to the train station is a meaningful differentiator. While Sands Point and Port Washington North require driving to the station, much of Baxter Estates is a 10-minute walk to the platform. For daily commuters, that matters.
The village's hilly terrain and Manhasset Bay views give it a character distinct from the flatter, more grid-like neighborhoods in other parts of Port Washington. The tree-lined streets, small scale, and low turnover create a neighborhood where residents know each other.
Buyers relocating from Manhattan and Brooklyn are drawn to Baxter Estates for the same reasons they look at Port Washington more broadly — direct LIRR access, the school district, and the waterfront — but the village adds a layer of intimacy and governance control that the unincorporated hamlet doesn't offer.
Buying or Selling in Baxter Estates?
Eric Berman and The Eric Berman Team at Compass operate from the North Shore, with direct knowledge of Baxter Estates and the broader Port Washington peninsula. Given the village's extremely limited inventory — typically just a handful of sales per year — working with an agent who tracks the market at the address level is essential. The team provides market insight grounded in real transaction experience.
Search homes for sale in Baxter Estates
Why list with The Eric Berman Team
Call Eric Berman directly: 917-225-8596
Frequently Asked Questions About Baxter Estates
Q: How far is Baxter Estates from Manhattan?
A: Baxter Estates is approximately 19 miles from Midtown Manhattan. The Port Washington LIRR station is about a 10-minute walk from most parts of the village, providing direct service to Penn Station in roughly 35 minutes on express trains and to Grand Central Madison in approximately 45 to 50 minutes. By car, the drive takes 30 to 35 minutes without traffic and 50 to 75 minutes during peak hours.
Q: What school district serves Baxter Estates?
A: Baxter Estates is served by the Port Washington Union Free School District, the same district that serves Port Washington, Sands Point, Manorhaven, and Port Washington North. The district operates five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school (Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School), enrolling approximately 5,200 students.
Q: What types of homes are available in Baxter Estates?
A: Baxter Estates is primarily single-family homes on a compact, hilly grid. Styles include Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, Tudors, and contemporary designs. Prices generally range from the mid-$700s to over $2 million, with a median around $1 million to $1.3 million. Inventory is extremely limited, with only a handful of homes coming to market in any given year.
Q: Is Baxter Estates part of Port Washington?
A: Baxter Estates is an incorporated village within the Greater Port Washington area. It has its own village government, village hall, and zoning authority, but shares the 11050 zip code, the Port Washington school district, library, fire district, and police district with the surrounding communities. Port Washington's Main Street, LIRR station, and downtown are within walking distance.
Q: Can you walk to the train station from Baxter Estates?
A: Yes. The Port Washington LIRR station is approximately a 10-minute walk from most parts of Baxter Estates. The Port Washington Branch provides direct service to both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison without a transfer at Jamaica, making Baxter Estates one of the most walkable-to-transit locations on the peninsula.
Q: Does Baxter Estates have waterfront access?
A: Yes. Baxter Beach, a small non-swimming beach along Shore Road, provides waterfront access and sunset views over Manhasset Bay. Sunset Park, adjacent to Village Hall, also overlooks the bay. A $7.7 million state-funded project is underway to repair the seawall and build a boardwalk connecting Bay Walk Park in Port Washington North with Sunset Park in Baxter Estates.
Q: How big is Baxter Estates?
A: Baxter Estates covers 109 acres (0.18 square miles) and has approximately 990 residents. It is one of the smallest incorporated villages on Long Island. Despite its size, it maintains its own village government with a five-member Board of Trustees, its own zoning authority, and its own road, sidewalk, and infrastructure maintenance.
